“We’ve been the underdog most of the time this year,” Stewart said. “It’s nothing new for us.”

The War Eagles lost junior wing Trumaine Jefferson for the season on Feb. 1, when they pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 62-53 road victory over Conroe. Starting guard Tanner Doyel didn’t play that night because of food poisoning.

Stewart said it was a turning point in Oak Ridge’s season.

“We got a lot tougher in that game,” he said.

Brian Lehmann averages a team-high 10 points per game, but Doyel, Josh Caldwell and Josh Myers are not far behind for the War Eagles.

“I think we’ve had four or maybe five guys score 20 points for us in a game this season,” Stewart said.

Nick Prejean, a lean 6-foot-4 forward, will try to contain the Mustangs’ front line, along with Oak Ridge teammates Luken Baker and Josh Caldwell. Caldwell is an effective rebounder and Baker is tough near the basket.

“We’re going to have to rebound and stay out of foul trouble, as much as possible,” Stewart said. “We’ve come a long way in the last few weeks.”

The winner of tonight’s game will face either Round Rock or Austin Stephen F. Austin in the area round.